The CD Singles '88-'91 (Morrissey)

Morrisey's The CD Singles '88-'91 is as it says: a collection of the singles released during that period, with each getting its own disc and sleeve replicating its cover art. Basically, this is completely awesome. Morrissey has some great b-sides, and it's excellent to have them. Of course, the a-sides are also brilliant. Favorite discoveries include "Such a Little Thing Makes Such a Big Difference," "Get Off the Stage," "Our Frank," "Will Never Marry," "Girl Least Likely To," and Moz's versions of "Skin Storm" and "That's Entertainment." This set is awesome, both aurally and visually. My one complaint is that the sleeves make it hard to slip the disc in and particularly out with scuffing it.

Tracks:
"Suedehead" single
1. Suedehead
2. I Know Very Well How I Got My Name
3. Hairdresser on Fire
4. Oh Well, I'll Never Learn

"Everyday Is Like Sunday" single
1. Everyday Is Like Sunday
2. Sister I'm a Poet
3. Disappointed
4. Will Never Marry

"The Last of the Famous International Playboys" single
1. The Last of the Famous International Playboys
2. Lucky Lisp
3. Michael's Bones

"Interesting Drug" single
1. Interesting Drug
2. Such a Little Thing makes Such a Big Difference
3. Sweet and Tender Hooligan (live)

"Ouija Board, Ouija Board" single
1. Ouija Board, Ouija Board
2. Yes I'm Blind
3. East West

"November Spawned a Monster" single
1. November Spawned a Monster
2. He Knows I'd Love to See Him
3. Girl Least Likely To

"Piccadilly Palare" single
1. Piccadilly Palare
2. Get Off the Stage
3. At Amber

"Our Frank" single
1. Our Frank
2. Journalists Who Lie
3. Tony the Pony

"Sing Your Life" single
1. Sing Your Life
2. That's Entertainment
3. The Loop

"Pregnant for the Last Time" single
1. Pregnant for the Last Time
2. Skin Storm (live)
3. Cosmic Dancer (live)
4. Disappointed (live)

Wingspan: Hits and History (Paul McCartney & Wings)

Wingspan: Hits and History is a two-disc collection of some of Paul McCartney's output as part of Wings, as well as some of his solo hits. While such a long career as his, even if limited to the Wings period, couldn't fairly be represented by two discs, this set is about the best one on the market at the moment, and does a fair job of collecting some of the best hits and album tracks. Some of the songs hold up much better than others, but it's a good set and worth the $3 for which I found it. Worth checking out for those like me who want some Wings without investing in a large and expensive back catalogue.

Tracks:
Disc 1 (Hits)
1. Listen to What the Man Said
2. Band on the Run
3. Another Day
4. Live and Let Die
5. Jet
6. My Love
7. Silly Love Songs
8. Pipes of Peace
9. C Moon
10. Hi Hi Hi
11. Let 'Em In
12. Goodnight Tonight
13. Junior's Farm
14. Mull of Kintyre
15. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey
16. With a Little Luck
17. Coming Up (Live at Glasgow)
18. No More Lonely Nights

Disc 2 (History)
1. Let Me Roll It
2. The Lovely Linda
3. Daytime Nighttime Suffering
4. Maybe I'm Amazed
5. Helen Wheels
6. Bluebird
7. Heart of the Country
8. Every Night
9. Take It Away
10. Junk
11. Man We Was Lonely
12. Venus and Mars/Rockshow
13. The Back Seat of My Car
14. Rockestra Theme
15. Girlfriend
16. Waterfalls
17. Tomorrow
18. Too Many People
19. Call Me Back Again
20. Tug of War
21. Bip Bop/Hey Diddle
22. No More Lonely Nights (playout version)

The Best of The Waterboys '81-'90

The Best of The Waterboys '81-'90 is as the title says - a collection of some of the group's most popular songs released during that period. The 12-track retrospective includes the truly awesome song "The Whole of the Moon," as well as such goodies as "A Girl Called Johnny," "Fisherman's Blues," and "Don't Bang the Drum." Overall, it's a nice introduction to and overview of the diverse music of The Waterboys.

Tracks:
1. A Girl Called Johnny
2. The Big Music
3. All the Things She Gave Me
4. The Whole of the Moon
5. Spirit
6. Don't Bang the Drum
7. Fisherman's Blues
8. Killing My Heart
9. Strange Beat
10. And a Bang on the Ear
11. Old England (live)
12. A Man Is in Love

Songs 1993-1998 (Moby)

Moby's compilation Songs 1993-1998 is a nice overview of his period of recording at Elektra Records. Some of the songs aren't all that impressive, but others, particularly "Feeling So Real," are great listens. No, this material isn't quite up to par with the excellent stuff he'd release after leaving the label, but it's still worth hearing, and I'm glad I found my thrift store copy.

Tracks:
1. First Cool Hive
2. Go
3. Into the Blue
4. Now I Let It Go
5. Move (You Make Me Feel So Good)
6. I Like to Score
7. Anthem
8. Hymn
9. Feeling So Real
10. God Moving Over the Face of the Waters
11. Alone
12. Novio
13. The Rain Falls and the Sky Shudders
14. When It's Cold I'd Like to Die
15. Living
16. Grace

Young Modern (Silverchair)

Silverchair's 2007 album Young Modern contains the wonderful lead single "Straight Lines." While the album is quite different in feel from what I know of their previous work, it's excellent. I really enjoyed it as a whole, with such tracks as "If You Keep Losing Sleep" and "The Man That Knew Too Much" making a strong case for the band. I may have been somewhat slow to get this one, but I'm glad I finally did.

Tracks:
1. Young Modern Station
2. Straight Lines
3. If You Keep Losing Sleep
4. Reflections of a Sound
5. Those Thieving Birds (Part 1) / Strange Behaviour / Those Thieving Birds (Part 2)
6. The Man That Knew Too Much
7. Waiting All Day
8. Mind Reader
9. Low
10. Insomnia
11. All Across the World

Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin (Various Artists)

Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin is a tribute album that was released in 1991. It features many great artists doing excellent versions of songs composed by the pair and originally recorded by John. While there are some less than stellar performances here, like Wilson Phillips' take on "Daniel" and Jon Bon Jovi's version of "Levon," most of these are quite good. Highlights include Sinéad O'Connor's "Sacrifice," Kate Bush's "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)," Tina Turner's "The Bitch Is Back," and George Michael's "Tonight."

Tracks:
1. Eric Clapton: "Border Song"
2. Kate Bush: "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)"
3. Sting: "Come Down in Time"
4. The Who: "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)"
5. The Beach Boys: "Crocodile Rock"
6. Wilson Phillips: "Daniel"
7. Joe Cocker: "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word"
8. Jon Bon Jovi: "Levon"
9. Tina Turner: "The Bitch Is Back"
10. Daryl Hall & John Oates: "Philadelphia Freedom"
11. Rod Stewart: "Your Song"
12. Oleta Adams: "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
13. Bruce Hornsby: "Madman Across the Water"
14. Sinéad O'Connor: "Sacrifice"
15. Phil Collins: "Burn Down the Mission"
16. George Michael: "Tonight"

Red Hot + Dance (Various Artists)

The 1992 album Red Hot + Dance was released to raise awareness of (and money for the prevention of) AIDS. The opening three tracks are awesome non-album songs from George Michael, led by the hit single "Too Funky." The other two are quite strong as well and make the album a worthwhile purchase in and of themselves. However, other cool remixes found here include the If I Was Trev mix of Seal's "Crazy" and the Metamorphosis mix of Lisa Stansfield's "Change." Overall, quite a cool album.

Tracks:
1. George Michael: "Too Funky"
2. George Michael: "Do You Really Want to Know"
3. George Michael: "Happy"
4. Madonna: "Supernatural" (Original Arms House Mix)
5. Seal: "Crazy" (If I Was Trev mix)
6. PM Dawn: "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" (Richie Rich mix)
7. Lisa Stansfield: "Change" (Metamorphosis mix)
8. Young Disciples: "Apparently Nothing" (The Re-Rub)
9. Sabrina Johnston: "Peace" (nu-mix)
10. Sly & The Family Stone: "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (Todds CD mix)
11. Crystal Waters: "Gypsy Woman" (Joey Negro's mindmix)
12. EMF: "Unbelievable" (The Hovering Feet mix)
13. Tomandandy: "Theme From Red Hot + Dance" (Gothic mix)

Clivillés + Cole Greatest Remixes, Vol. 1 (Various Artists)

I took a chance on a cheap disc of Clivillés + Cole Greatest Remixes, Vol. 1. It includes some of the pair's hits, as well as mixes of tracks like Chaka Khan's "Clouds" and The Cover Girls' "Because of You," as well as various lesser-known tracks. It makes for a pleasant enough listen if you like that C+C early 90s style. Some cool stuff here. Not worth seeking out, but if you stumble upon it for cheap, grab it.

Tracks:
1. C&C Music Factory: "C&C Music Factory MTV Medley"
2. The Cover Girls: "Because of You"
3. Lydia Lee Love: "Don't Take Your Love Away"
4. Seduction: "Two to Make It Right"
5. Clivillés + Cole: "Pride (In the Name of Love" (Techno House version)
6. Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam: "Let the Beat Hit 'Em"
7. Clivillés + Cole: "Mind Your Business"
8. David Cole: "You Take My Breath Away"
9. Clivillés + Cole: "A Deeper Love"
10. Chaka Khan: "Clouds"
11. Billy: "True Love"
12. Sandée: "Notice Me"
13. Two Puerto Ricans, A Black Man & A Dominican: "Do It Properly"

The Collected Recordings: Sixties to Nineties (Tina Turner)

Tina Turner's The Collected Recordings: Sixties to Nineties is a three-disc career overview released in 1994. The first disc selects tracks from the Ike & Tina Turner years. The second disc is of b-sides, rarities, and minor hits. The third disc collects some of her biggest solo hits. While the first and third discs are cool, better overviews of each are done by other sets, such as, respectively, The Ike & Tina Story and All the Best. The appeal here lies in the second disc, which includes such great tracks as Turner's original version of "Don't Turn Around," released as the b-side to "Typical Male," an awesome live version of Prince's "Let's Pretend We're Married," released as the b-side to "Show Some Respect," and a remake of Robert Palmer's "Johnny and Mary," contributed to the soundtrack to the film Summer Lovers. It is for these and other great recordings found on the second disc, as well as a pleasant booklet, that I would recommend this set.

Tracks:
Disc 1 (Artist for all tracks is Ike & Tina Turner)
1. A Fool in Love
2. It's Gonna Work Out Fine
3. I Idolize You
4. Poor Fool
5. A Letter from Tina
6. Finger Poppin'
7. River Deep - Mountain High
8. Crazy 'Bout You Baby
9. I've Been Loving You Too Long
10. Bold Soul Sister
11. I Want to Take You Higher
12. Come Together
13. Honky Tonk Women
14. Proud Mary
15. Nutbush City Limits
16. Sexy Ida (Part 1)
17. Sexy Ida (Part 2)
18. It Ain't Right (Lovin' to Be Lovin')

Disc 2 (From here on out, artist is Tina Turner unless otherwise noted)
1. Acid Queen
2. Whole Lotta Love
3. Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)
4. A Change Is Gonna Come
5. Johnny and Mary
6. Games
7. When I Was Young
8. Total Control
9. Let's Pretend We're Married (live)
10. It's Only Love (Bryan Adams & Tina Turner)
11. Don't Turn Around
12. Legs (live)
13. Addicted to Love (live)
14. Tearing Us Apart (Eric Clapton with Tina Turner)
15. It Takes Two (Rod Stewart and Tina Turner)

Disc 3
1. Let's Stay Together
2. What's Love Got to Do With It
3. Better Be Good to Me
4. Private Dancer
5. I Can't Stand the Rain
6. Help!
7. We Don't Need Another Hero
8. Typical Male
9. What You Get Is What You See
10. Paradise Is Here
11. Back Where You Started
12. The Best
13. Steamy Windows
14. Foreign Affair
15. I Don't Wanna Fight

Alice Music 12 (Various Artists)

My friend made me a copy of Alice Music 12, a cool compilation put together by a local radio station of stripped versions of popular Hot AC hits. Some of them tend toward the boring side (e.g., Colbie Caillat's "Bubbly," which opens the album), while others end up sounding very cool (e.g., Matchbox Twenty's "Disease"). It's a very relaxing album, and while I wouldn't recommend going to great lengths to get this, it is worth hearing.

Tracks:
1. Colbie Caillat: "Bubbly" (Alice Lounge)
2. Matchbox Twenty: "Disease" (Alice Lounge)
3. Tristan Prettyman: "Madly" (Alice Lounge)
4. The Last Goodnight: "Pictures of You" (Alice Lounge)
5. Brandi Carlisle: "The Story" (acoustic)
6. Plain White T's: "Hey There Delilah" (Alice Lounge)
7. Mat Kearney: "Undeniable" (Alice Lounge)
8. Jeremy Fisher: "Cigarette" (Alice Lounge)
9. Ingrid Michaelson: "The Way I Am" (Alice Lounge)
10. The Spill Canvas: "All Over You" (Alice Lounge)
11. Anna Nalick: "Shine" (Alice Lounge)
12. Pat Monahan: "Her Eyes" (Alice Lounge)
13. Yellowcard: "Light Up the Sky" (Alice Lounge)
14. Maroon 5: "Won't Go Home Without You" (Alice Lounge)
15. Marié Digby: "Say It Again" (Alice Lounge)

Song of the Day: "Cash in My Pocket"

ARTIST: Wiley featuring Daniel Merriweather
TITLE: Cash in My Pocket
YEAR: 2008

Probably the last song to make a big bid as one of my favorites of the year is Wiley's latest single, featuring one of my favorite artists whose debut album has yet to be released, Daniel Merriweather. Merriweather's parts are in fact what make this for me, but Wiley does a fine job spitting his lines as well. Plus, the lyrics are pretty cool, as is Mark Ronson's production work. It's a winner.

Take a listen here. The song is available on Wiley's album See Clear Now.

Very / Further Listening 1992-1994 (Pet Shop Boys)

Pet Shop Boys' Very was released in 1993 and contains such hits as "Can You Forgive Her," "Liberation," "I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing," and "Yesterday, When I Was Mad." These are four great songs, and thankfully, they are representative of the quality of the album as a whole. Such other songs as "Dreaming of the Queen," "The Theatre," and a remake of Village People's "Go West" are all great, for different reasons.

In 2001, this album was released with an informative liner notes booklet, which itself is worth the purchase of this particular edition, as well as a bonus disc, Further Listening 1992-1994. This disc contains some great b-sides, single edits, demos, and other tracks from the period. Highlights include "Absolutely Fabulous," "Shameless," and the New Order-esque "Too Many People." Also included are a reading of Noel Coward's "If Love Were All" and a live performance of Blur's "Girls and Boys."

Overall, these are two great discs packed with quality music. Highly recommended.

Tracks:
Very
1. Can You Forgive Her?
2. I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing
3. Liberation
4. A Different Point of View
5. Dreaming of the Queen
6. Yesterday, When I Was Mad
7. The Theatre
8. One and One Make Five
9. To Speak Is a Sin
10. Young Offender
11. One in a Million
12. Go West

Further Listening 1992-1994
1. Go West (1992 twelve-inch mix)
2. Forever in Love
3. Confidential (demo for Tina)
4. Hey, Headmaster
5. Shameless
6. Too Many People
7. I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing (seven-inch version)
8. Violence (Haçienda version)
9. Falling (demo for Kylie)
10. Decadence
11. If Love Were All
12. Absolutely Fabulous (single version)
13. Euroboy
14. Some Speculation
15. Yesterday, When I Was Mad (single version)
16. Girls and Boys (live in Rio)

"Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" single (Erasure)

Erasure's single for "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" was released in 2003 off the album Other People's Songs. While their version can't top the original by Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, it's pretty good. The single also includes a pair of cool remixes, which make it worthwhile, plus some remixes of other tracks from Other People's Songs which are also pretty cool. Recommended.

Tracks:
1. Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) (edit)
2. Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) (Dan Frampton radio mix)
3. Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) (Manhattan Clique extended mix)
4. Walking in the Rain (37B remix)
5. When Will I See You Again (37B remix)
6. Can't Help Falling in Love (acoustic)

"Somewhere" single (Pet Shop Boys)

Pet Shop Boys released their version of the West Side Story class "Somewhere" as a single in 1997. It's very dancey, very PSB, and quite awesome. Instant love. Also included on the single release: a remix of the a-side (Trouser Enthusiasts mix) which clocks in over ten minutes. It's not bad, but eliminates most of the vocals. Next is the single version of "A Red Letter Day" from the Bilingual album. That's an excellent song! Another over ten minute remix follows, this the Trouser Autoerotic Decapitation mix of "A Red Letter Day," and again, it's not bad, but it eliminates most of the vocals. Finally, a couple of b-sides are included: "The View From Your Balcony," which is a decent track, and "Delusions of Grandeur," an awesome song which originally showed up on a UK single for "A Red Letter Day." Overall, a great single.

Tracks:
1. Somewhere
2. Somewhere (Trouser Enthusiasts mix)
3. A Red Letter Day
4. A Red Letter Day (Trouser Autoerotic Decapitation mix)
5. The View From Your Balcony
6. Delusions of Grandeur

"Joseph, Better You Than Me" single (The Killers featuring Elton John and Neil Tennant)

Continuing their tradition of releasing an annual Christmas song, The Killers offered up a one-track CD single entitled "Joseph, Better You Than Me" in December of '08. The single is sold at Newbury Comics, and the track features Elton John and Neil Tennant. I think this is a good song and a definite upgrade from last year's "Don't Shoot Me, Santa."

Tracks:
1. Joseph, Better You Than Me

Greatest Hits (Enrique Iglesias)

Enrique Iglesias's Greatest Hits collects his biggest singles from his English-language albums. In addition to the pair of new tracks ("Away" featuring Sean Garrett and "Takin' Back My Love" featuring Ciara), I was excited to get the non-album single "Can You Hear Me" from earlier this year, which is awesome, as well as the great single version of "Not in Love" featuring Kelis. The other tracks are familiar songs from his albums, including favorites such as "Escape," "Be With You," and "Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song)." Overall, it's a nice collection of his English output.

Tracks:
1. Bailamos
2. Away (feat. Sean Garrett)
3. Hero
4. Be With You
5. Takin' Back My Love (feat. Ciara)
6. Rhythm Divine
7. Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song)
8. Tired of Being Sorry
9. Escape
10. Could I Have This Kiss Forever (with Whitney Houston)
11. Not in Love (featuring Kelis)
12. Don't Turn Off the Lights
13. Love to See You Cry
14. Maybe
15. Addicted
16. Somebody's Me
17. Can You Hear Me

It's Christmas (Ledisi)

My one Christmas album purchase for this year came in the form of Ledisi's It's Christmas. For those looking for excellent holiday albums, this one definitely qualifies. It includes a lot of excellent renditions of classic material, as well as a few originals, including the truly awesome song "Be There for Christmas." Ledisi has an amazing voice and excellent vocal control, and this album just continues to demonstrate that.

Tracks:
1. I'll Go
2. Children Go Where I Send Thee
3. Give Love on Christmas Day
4. Be There for Christmas
5. This Christmas (Could Be the One)
6. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
7. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
8. It's Christmas
9. What a Wonderful World
10. Please Come Home for Christmas
11. Silent Night
12. Thank You

Day & Age (The Killers)

The Killers' Day & Age is their latest release, containing the singles "Human" and "Spaceman." It's a pretty cool album, and while I don't see it supplanting their debut Hot Fuss as my favorite, it's definitely a worthwhile listen. My favorite track on here is "Joy Ride," although "Spaceman" is a close second.

Tracks:
1. Losing Touch
2. Human
3. Spaceman
4. Joy Ride
5. A Dustland Fairytale
6. This Is Your Life
7. I Can't Stay
8. Neon Tiger
9. The World We Live In
10. Goodnight, Travel Well

Off With Their Heads (Kaiser Chiefs)

Kaisers Chiefs' 2008 album Off With Their Heads is their third of three great albums. The album continues in the same style established by the first two, and it's still highly enjoyable. Lead single "Never Miss a Beat" is excellent, as are such tracks as "You Want History," "Tomato in the Rain," and "Always Happens Like That." Really, the whole album is great. Highly recommended.

(I bought Best Buy's edition, which includes the b-side to "Never Miss a Beat," "Sooner or Later," and a remix. Both are cool tracks worth having.)

Tracks:
1. Spanish Metal
2. Never Miss a Beat
3. Like It Too Much
4. You Want History
5. Can't Say What I Mean
6. Good Days Bad Days
7. Tomato in the Rain
8. Half the Truth
9. Always Happens Like That
10. Addicted to Drugs
11. Remember You're a Girl
12. Sooner or Later
13. Never Miss a Beat (Run Hide Survive remix)

Song of the Day: "Brimful of Asha"

ARTIST: Cornershop
TITLE: "Brimful of Asha" (Norman Cook remix)
YEAR: 1997

The Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) remix of Cornershop's "Brimful of Asha" was a pretty big hit back in 1997. It's not hard to see why. There's something quite undeniable about it. It's terribly hard to listen to this without being put in a good mood, and I've been enjoying spinning it quite a bit of late.

Hear it here. The song is available on many compilation albums, including Fatboy Slim's own The Greatest Hits: Why Try Harder.

Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace (The Offspring)

The Offspring's latest album, Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace, was released earlier this year. It was led by the big hit "Hammerhead" and later spawned the even bigger hit "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid." It was my extreme love for the latter song that ultimately convinced me to pick up this album, which is yet another consistent if not entirely wowing offering from the group. The only song on here that I would call a misstep is "A Lot Like Me," for which I don't much care. Otherwise, the songs range from decent to great. I also like "Hammerhead" more than I did now that I've heard it in the context of the album. Other highlights include "Kristy, Are You Doing Okay," "Fix You," "Half-Truism," and "Stuff Is Messed Up."

Tracks:
1. Half-Truism
2. Trust in You
3. You're Gonna Go Far, Kid
4. Hammerhead
5. A Lot Like Me
6. Takes Me Nowhere
7. Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?
8. Nothingtown
9. Stuff Is Messed Up
10. Fix You
11. Let's Hear It for Rock Bottom
12. Rise and Fall

Carencro (Marc Broussard)

The appeal of Marc Broussard's 2004 album Carencro lay for me in the very catchy single "Where You Are." I was finally put over the edge in interest after seeing him open for Sara Bareilles earlier this year, and I'm glad I now have this album. Broussard does his soul-influenced style very well. The album is well put together and definitely worth hearing. The biggest hit here is "Home," but there are many other great tunes, including the second track, "Rocksteady."

Tracks:
1. Home
2. Rocksteady
3. Beauty of Who You Are
4. Save Me
5. Come Around
6. Where You Are
7. Lonely Night in Georgia
8. Saturday
9. The Wanderer
10. Hope for Me Yet
11. Let Me Leave
12. Gavin's Song

Splinter (The Offspring)

The Offspring's Splinter was released in 2003 and spawned the hits "Hit That" and "(Can't Get My) Head Around You." The latter is the song from the album with which I fell in love and that ultimately made it an appealing purchase. Overall, the album is quite enjoyable. It's not particularly varied, and it listening through to it doesn't leave one amazed, but it's a consistent offering from a consistent band.

Tracks:
1. Neocon
2. The Noose
3. Long Way Home
4. Hit That
5. Race Against Myself
6. (Can't Get My) Head Around You
7. The Worst Hangover Ever
8. Never Gonna Find Me
9. Lightning Rod
10. Spare Me the Details
11. Da Hui
12. When You're in Prison

Fundamental (and Fundamentalism) (Pet Shop Boys)

Pet Shop Boys released Fundamental in 2006. The album contains such hits as "Minimal" and "I'm With Stupid," and is overall a very solid, mature PSB offering. Other great tracks include "The Sodom and Gomorrah Show," "Indefinite Leave to Remain," and "Integral." I don't know that the album did much to grow their fan base, but I'm certain it pleased the large one they already have. The edition I bought on a whim is the one which comes with a bonus disc of remixes entitled Fundamentalism, which is very much worth it, with the highlight for me being the remix of "In Private," which contains vocal contributions from Elton John. There are also two cool remixes of "The Sodom and Gommorah Show," as well as versions of "Psychological," "I'm With Stupid," "Fugitive," "Minimal," and "Flamboyant."

Tracks:
Fundamental
1. Psychological
2. The Sodom and Gomorrah Show
3. I Made My Excuses and Left
4. Minimal
5. Numb
6. God Walking
7. Luna Park
8. I'm With Stupid
9. Casanova in Hell
10. Twentieth Century
11. Indefinite Leave to Remain
12. Integral

Fundamentalism
1. Fugitive (Richard X extended mix)
2. Sodom (Trentemøller remix)
3. Psychological (Alter Ego remix)
4. Flamboyant (Michael Mayer kompakt mix)
5. I'm With Stupid (Melnyk Heavy Petting mix)
6. In Private (Stuart Crichton club mix)
7. Minimal (Lobe remix)
8. Gomorrah (Dettinger remix)

Club Epic: A Collection of Classic Dance Mixes, Volume 4 (Various Artists)

Volume 4 of Club Epic features some cool dance track of the 70s and 80s. Highlights include Sarah Dash's "Sinner Man," the club mix of Bonnie Tyler's "Holding Out for a Hero," the club mix of France Joli's "Gonna Get Over You," and the original 12" mix of Cheryl Lynn's "Star Love." It's a neat collection to pick up a few good tracks to get you on your feet.

Tracks:
1. Shannon: Let the Music Play (original full 12" mix)
2. Gloria Estefan & The Miami Sound Machine: Dr. Beat (original 12" mix)
3. Wild Cherry: Play That Funky Music
4. Brick: Dazz
5. MFSB: Love Is the Message
6. Lil' Louis & The World: French Kiss (the original underground mix)
7. Cheryl Lynn: Star Love (original 12" mix)
8. Sarah Dash: Sinner Man
9. Will to Power: Fading Away (Power House mix)
10. France Joli: Gonna Get Over You (club mix)
11. Bonnie Tyler: Holding Out for a Hero (club mix)

Singles (Alison Moyet)

Finding a cheap copy of Alison Moyet's Singles compilations was quite exciting for me. After loving Yazoo's In Your Room box earlier this year, I was glad to get the chance to explore Moyet's solo career further, as I'd known very little of her stuff. Wow! She's released some amazing singles. Highlights include "Solid Wood," "Whispering Your Name," and "Is This Love," three tracks I'd not heard, in addition to prior favorite "Love Resurrection." There's not a bad song on here. "Falling" finds her sounding like another artist I greatly enjoy, Kirsty MacColl. Renditions of standards like "Love Letters," "That Ole Devil Called Love," and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" further demonstrate Moyet's versatility. Highly recommended collection.

Tracks:
1. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
2. Only You (Yazoo)
3. Nobody's Diary (Yazoo)
4. Winter Kills (Yazoo)
5. Love Resurrection
6. All Cried Out
7. Invisible
8. That Ole Devil Called Love
9. Is This Love?
10. Weak in the Presence of Beauty
11. Ordinary Girl (7" edit)
12. Love Letters
13. It Won't Be Long
14. Wishing You Were Here
15. This House
16. Falling
17. Whispering Your Name (single version)
18. Getting Into Something
19. Ode to Boy II
20. Solid Wood

Song of the Day: "Therapy"

ARTIST: India.Arie
TITLE: "Therapy"
YEAR: 2009

I usually don't pay attention to leaked tracks, but "Therapy" is a track from India.Arie's forthcoming 2009 album. I happened to give it a listen, and it's great! It's got a very pop sound to it, but India.Arie still gives a good vocal performance, and the chorus is quite memorable.

Give it a listen here. The song will be released on India.Arie's album Testimony, Vol. 2: Love and Politics, due out in February.

The Best of Tony Martin: The Mercury Years

The Best of Tony Martin: The Mercury Years documents one of Tony Martin's least commercially successful periods of his career, but that does not make it any less an enjoyable one. I was excited to find this, as I very much like Martin's voice. This collection finds him tackling such recognizable tunes as "To Each His Own," "I'll See You in My Dreams," and "Stardust." My one problem is that, on my disc, the last four tracks (22-25) wouldn't play (and the 21st gave trouble, but played well when ripped). A friend was kind enough to share three of these with me from a vinyl source so I could at least get a taste for them, and they're fine renditions of classic songs. I just wish they'd worked here, but I still can't complain as even the first twenty-one tracks make for a great disc.

Tracks:
1. To Each His Own
2. I Don't Know Why
3. A Gal in Calico
4. Dreamland Rendezvous
5. I'll See You in My Dreams
6. Without You
7. And Then It's Heaven
8. Guilty
9. Rumors Are Flying
10. As You Desire Me
11. I Never Loved Anyone
12. I Miss That Feeling
13. Sonata
14. If I love Again
15. Years and Years Ago
16. I Kiss Your Hand, Madame
17. Stardust
18. Dreams Are a Dime a Dozen
19. Make Believe
20. All the Things You Are
21. Would You Believe Me
22. That Old Black Magic
23. Body & Soul
24. Tea for Two
25. As Time Goes By

Good Feeling, The Man Who, and The Invisible Band (Travis)

My first Travis purchase came earlier this year in the form of the U.S. single release of "Turn." Having stumbled upon their first three albums at the used store, and having enjoyed what little I knew of their work, I decided to go ahead and make a further listening commitment. Now, I'm wondering why it took me so very long. These are three awesome albums!

The debut, 1997's Good Feeling, is probably my favourite. It contains my current obsession, "U16 Girls," as well as such other great tracks as "All I Want to Do Is Rock," "Midsummer Nights Dreamin'," and "Happy." It amazes me that it took me over a decade after its initial release for me to hear any of this album's fine, fine tunes. I've rectified that by spinning the Hell out of them lately.

1999's The Man Who contains the first Travis song with which I became enamored, long before actually checking out any others: "Why Does It Always Rain on Me?" That track is still one of the highlights for me, but many others here are also quite good, including the aforementioned "Turn" as well as singles "Writing to Reach You" and "Driftwood."

2001's The Invisible Band contains three very strong singles: "Sing," "Side," and "Flowers in the Window." Those are all grade-A, top-notch, etc. etc. The album tracks are also quite good, but not as exceptional as those found on Good Feeling.

All three of these albums are excellent listens and highly recommended by me.

Tracks:
Good Feeling
1. All I Want to Do Is Rock
2. U16 Girls
3. The Line Is Fine
4. Good Day to Die
5. Good Feeling
6. Midsummer Nights Dreamin'
7. Tied to the 90's
8. I Love You Anyways
9. Happy
10. More Than Us
11. Falling Down
12. Funny Thing

The Man Who
1. Writing to Reach You
2. The Fear
3. As You Are
4. Driftwood
5. The Last Laugh of the Laughter
6. Turn
7. Why Does It Always Rain on Me?
8. Luv
9. She's So Strange
10. Slide Show

The Invisible Band
1. Sing
2. Dear Diary
3. Side
4. Pipe Dreams
5. Flowers in the Window
6. The Cage
7. Safe
8. Follow the Light
9. Last Train
10. Afterglow
11. Indefinitely
12. The Humpty Dumpty Love Song

Wonderful (Adam Ant)

Adam Ant's 1995 album Wonderful spawned the big late-in-his-career hit title track. While the other tracks couldn't make a similar impact, the album is pretty solid. Songs like "1969 Again" and "Gotta Be a Sin" make it a neat listen, and this album has helped to continue furthering by Adam Ant interest. We'll see when next I have an opportunity to explore his catalogue.

Tracks:
1. Won't Take That Talk
2. Beautiful Dream
3. Wonderful
4. 1969 Again
5. Yin & Yang
6. Image of Yourself
7. Alien
8. Gotta Be a Sin
9. Vampires
10. Angel
11. Very Long Ride

The Best of INXS

The Best of INXS is a decent one-disc retrospective of INXS's career. While I do not think it contains everything one might want from the band, it's got the major songs, including my absolute favourite, the awesome "Don't Change." Other great hits include "What You Need," "The One Thing," and "Never Tear Us Apart." A pleasant surprise came in the form of the Dan the Automator remix of "Tight," the newest of tracks on this collection, and a cool one at that. While the best INXS collection I can see appears to be Shine Like It Does: The Anthology (1979-1997), The Best of INXS is a decent collection for casual fans or those looking for a less expensive purchase to get most of the biggest hits. (Also, "Salvation Jane" and "Tight" are not present on the other collection, if those are in any way a deal breaker.)

Tracks:
1. Need You Tonight
2. What You Need
3. By My Side
4. Taste It
5. New Sensation
6. The One Thing
7. Disappear
8. Never Tear Us Apart
9. Original Sin
10. Mystify
11. This Time
12. Suicide Blonde
13. Beautiful Girl
14. The Gift
15. Listen Like Thieves
16. Devil Inside
17. Bitter Tears
18. Not Enough Time
19. Salvation Jane
20. Tight (Dan the Automator remix)
21. Don't Change

On and On (Jack Johnson)

On and On is Jack Johnson's 2003 sophomore album. It's a pleasant listen that I would recommend, but it is not, perhaps, exceptional. Some of the tracks are non-distinct, bleeding together in memory. Still, it is very chill and laid back, and those who know and enjoy the Johnson sound will likely not be disappointed. The album also ends on a high note, with "Symbol in My Driveway" being one of the standout tracks.

Tracks:
1. Times Like These
2. The Horizon Has Been Defeated
3. Traffic in the Sky
4. Taylor
5. Gone
6. Cupid
7. Wasting Time
8. Holes to Heaven
9. Dreams Be Dreams
10. Tomorrow Morning
11. Fall Line
12. Cookie Jar
13. Rodeo Clowns
14. Cocoon
15. Mediocre Bad Guys
16. Symbol in My Driveway

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (U2)

I'm only a few years late on picking up U2's 2004 blockbuster album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. Better late than never, anyway. The album is quite consistent and makes for a very enjoyable listen. If forced to pick a single standout track, I'd say "City of Blinding Lights." Nothing else I can really say here that hasn't been said in one of the many (many, many, many) reviews of this album, so I'll leave it at - good album. Recommended.

Tracks:
1. Vertigo
2. Miracle Drug
3. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
4. Love and Peace or Else
5. City of Blinding Lights
6. All Because of You
7. A Man and a Woman
8. Crumbs From Your Table
9. One Step Closer
10. Original of the Species
11. Yahweh

7 (U2)

U2's 7 is an EP that was released at Target. It contains seven some non-album tracks released on various singles during the All That You Can't Leave Behind era. It's a nice collection of b-sides and remixes that U2 fans will likely appreciate. Not essential for casual listeners.

1. Summer Rain
2. Always
3. Big Girls Are Best
4. Beautiful Day (Quincy & Sonance remix)
5. Elevation (Influx remix)
6. Walk On (single version)
7. Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of (acoustic)

Greatest Hits (DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince)

While I would not have actively sought a hits collection for DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, I couldn't help but snap up the used Greatest Hits when I saw it. From a track selection standpoint, it does an excellent job of compiling their singles, as well as tossing on a couple Will Smith tracks from the Men in Black soundtrack. Musically, well, it's the fun rap one would expect from the pair. Such classics as "Summertime," "Parents Just Don't Understand," and "Girls Ain't Nothing but Trouble" are fair representatives of the disc as a whole, which stays enjoyable, save for a couple clunkers. Overall, this is a nice collection that will do most fans well.

Tracks:
1. Girls Ain't Nothing but Trouble (1988 extended remix)
2. Men in Black (by Will Smith)
3. Summertime
4. Parents Just Don't Understand (single edit)
5. Boom! Shake the Room
6. Just Cruisin' (by Will Smith)
7. Ring My Bell (Mr. Lee's radio mix)
8. Brand New Funk
9. Lovely Daze
10. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air
11. A Nightmare on My Street (single version)
12. A Touch of Jazz
13. I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson
14. The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff
15. I'm Looking for the One (To Be With Me)
16. You Saw My Blinker
17. Summertime '98 (SoulPower remix)
18. Megamix (edit)

Start Something (Lostprophets)

Lostprophets' 2004 album Start Something spawned a few rock radio hits I remember fondly from that year: "Wake Up (Make a Move)," "Last Train Home," and "I Don't Know." For whatever reason, I was never interested enough to get the album while it was current, but it was an easy one to grab off the clearance rack. The album is a cool alternative album, with each track transitioning into the next to create a cool feel. Opening track "We Still Kill the Old Way" does a great job of setting the tone, and closer "Sway" ends with a great long instrumental portion that leaves one with an extremely positive feeling toward the album. "Burn, Burn" and "Start Something" are two excellent album tracks, but really, there's not a bad track on here. Great album.

Tracks:
1. We Still Kill the Old Way
2. To Hell We Ride
3. Last Train Home
4. Wake Up (Make a Move)
5. Burn, Burn
6. I Don't Know
7. Hello Again
8. Goodbye Tonight
9. Start Something
10. A Million Miles
11. Last Summer
12. Sway

To Whom It May Concern (The Pasadenas)

The Pasadenas' 1988 album To Whom It May Concern is the UK soul group's debut. It contains one of their major hits, "Tribute (Right On)." It's a pretty neat album that draws from diverse influences, including doo wop, Motown, and 70s funk-influenced R&B. I wouldn't say that I adore it, but it's still a solid effort that makes for a pleasant listen. The highlight is a version of "Living in the Footsteps of Another Man," originally performed by The Chi-Lites. The Pasadenas do a great job with the song, though I can't claim to have heard the original for comparative purposes. "Justice for the World" also stands out here. Fans of retro-inspired late 80s soul may want to consider this one.

Tracks:
1. Funny Feeling
2. Living in the Footsteps of Another Man
3. Enchanted Lady
4. New Love
5. Riding on a Train
6. Give a Little Peace
7. Tribute (Right On)
8. I Really Miss You
9. Justice for the World
10. Something Else

"100% Pure Love" single (Crystal Waters)

Crystal Waters's "100% Pure Love" was a big pop-house hit when released in 1994. This single contains some nice mixes of that track. The club mix is the familiar version, with the radio mix being an edited form of that. Of the remaining mixes, I think my fave is DJ EFX's Tribal Pump Mix. The rest are pretty cool too, though. After listening through to this, I kept having this song randomly pop back into my head. Quite catchy - good track.

Tracks:
1. 100% Pure Love (club mix)
2. 100% Pure Love (radio mix)
3. 100% Pure Love (gumbo mix)
4. 100% Pure Love (hump mix)
5. 100% Pure Love (DJ EFX's tribal pump mix)
6. 100% Pure Love (PG Tips anthem mix)
7. 100% Pure Love (trance vox)

"Bridging the Gap" single (Nas featuring Olu Dara)

I'm kind of split on Nas's work - like some, don't like some. However, I was quite impressed with his 2004 single "Bridging the Gap," featuring his father, Olu Dara. I love it, and so, finding a $0.50 version of the single, was happy to purchase it. My only minor complaint is that the only other track included is an instrumental version of the a-side. Nonetheless, this is a great song, and I'm happy to have it.

Tracks:
1. Bridging the Gap
2. Bridging the Gap (instrumental)

"Gamemaster" single (Lost Tribe)

Lost Tribe's "Gamemaster" is an engaging trance track. The original mix is cool, but the Signum mix is excellent. The spoken bit is somehow rather entrancing. Love it. Great song. I have disc two. Didn't see disc one. Probably just as well, as this one has the full Signum mix.

Tracks:
1. Gamemaster (Signum edit)
2. Gamemaster (Signum remix)
3. Gamemaster (original mix)

"Seven Cities" singles (Solar Stone)

Solar Stone's "Seven Cities" is a popular trance track. The main mix is Solar Stone's Atlantis mix (and edit), and it's quite a nice tune. The Solaris Heights mix has a very laid back feel. I very much like it. V-One's 'Living Cities' remix adds a nice beat to it. Cool mix. I wish I knew this genre better to describe Solar Stone's Coastal mix, but suffice it to say I like that one too.

Tracks:
Disc One
1. Solar Stone's Atlantis edit
2. Solar Stone's Atlantis mix
3. Solaris Heights mix

Disc Two
1. Solar Stone's Atlantis edit
2. V-One's 'Living Cities' remix
3. Solar Stone's Coastal mix

"Without You" single (The Feeling)

"Without You" was the second single released from The Feeling's sophomore album Join With Us. The a-side is a solid song, though it maybe wasn't the best choice for single number two. B-side "Play Don't Think" is pretty cool. I like it, but I wouldn't rank it amongst my top Feeling songs. A remake of Joe Jackson's "It's Different for Girls" seemed like a mismatch to me, but it's actually passable. It doesn't touch the original, but it's a good version, so yay for that. Perhaps the highlight here is the Tom Middleton mix of "I Thought It Was Over," which is quite a cool remix. Overall, not the strongest single released by The Feeling, but still a goodie.

Tracks:
1. Without You
2. Play Don't Think
3. Different for Girls
4. I Thought It Was Over (Tom Middleton mix)

"Let Me Entertain You" single (Robbie Williams)

"Let Me Entertain You" was released as a single from Robbie Williams' Life Thru a Lens. The a-side has grown to be one of my favourite Williams tracks. The single is backed with a neat live medley with Tom Jones of songs featured on the soundtrack to The Full Monty, a great remake of Pet Shop Boys' "I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing," and a cool track entitled "I Am the (Res)Erection." For me, the highlight of these b-sides is "I Wouldn't..." as it's a very solid interpretation of strong material. Overall, another quality single from a quality artist.

Tracks:
1. Let Me Entertain You
2. Medley of songs from the motion picture soundtrack 'The Full Monty' (with Tom Jones)
3. I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing
4. I Am the (Res)Erection